Intestinal transplantation--world experience and future perspective

Intestinal transplantation, which until recently has been considered an experimental procedure, is now undergoing considerable change and becoming a standard treatment for patient with intestinal failure. The major improvement in results is due to the introduction of new immunosuppressive agents that have led to significant reduction in acute rejection. Nevertheless, reduction in severe infectious complications, which are the main cause of mortality after transplant, as well as improved techniques for early diagnosis of rejection are needed before intestinal transplantation can be widely used. We describe our experience in post-transplant follow-up of a woman, aged 32-years, who had undergone intestinal transplantation for short bowel syndrome after extensive bowel resection.